Selexipag is used to treat high blood pressure in the
lungs (pulmonary arterial hypertension-PAH). It is used to help slow down
worsening of PAH and to decrease the chance of needing treatment in a
hospital. Selexipag works by making it easier for blood to flow through the
arteries in your lungs. This effect helps increase your ability to
exercise.
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from
your pharmacist before you start taking selexipag and each time you get a
refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or
pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth with or without food as
directed by your doctor, usually twice daily. Taking this medication with
food may lessen stomach upset.
The manufacturer directs not to split, crush, or chew
the tablet before taking it. However, many similar drugs (immediate-release
tablets) can be split, crushed, or chewed. Follow your doctor's directions
on how to take this medication.
The dosage is based on your medical condition, response
to treatment, and other medications you may be taking. Be sure to tell your
doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use (including
prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). To reduce
your risk of side effects, your doctor may direct you to start this
medication at a low dose and gradually increase your dose. Follow your
doctor's instructions carefully.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit
from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each
day.
Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better
or if it gets worse.
Headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite,
flushing, jaw pain, joint/muscle pain, or pain in your arms or legs may
occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or
pharmacist promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the
risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious
side effects.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before using selexipag, tell your doctor or pharmacist
if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product
may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or
other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only
when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your
doctor.
It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk.
Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Other medications can affect the removal of selexipag
from your body, which may affect how selexipag works. An example is
gemfibrozil.
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669.
Do not share this medication with others.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If
it is within 6 hours of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next
dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up. If you miss 3
or more days of medication, ask your doctor how to safely restart
selexipag.
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture.
Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and
pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.